Anne Albright

Anne Albright authored the Reader's Kid Stuff column for many years, in addition to special features.

Articles by Anne Albright

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Pine Valley – way past suburbia

Pine Valley Store, Pine Valley Bridge, Laguna fire, fall foliage

We didn't have a street address in Pine Valley I took my children on a trip to my past. Friday after Thanksgiving, I herded Rebecca, Angela, Johnny, and Ben into our van. Lucy, who had ...

Road trip to Washington State

We would drive to Mt. Shasta the first day

We’re getting ready to hit the road. This Thursday at 4:00 a.m., I plan to herd my five children into our loaded Ford E- 350 van and head north toward Seattle. We’re vacationing this year ...

The big screen

“I didn’t like that movie. I want to go home.”

We don’t go out to the movies very often. After last Monday, I remember why. Jack and I have taken our kids to the movies in what Ben calls a “feeater” exactly twice. The first ...

Mad Mom

WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR BREAKFAST?” I bellowed.

Last Saturday I got mad. I don’t get mad very often. I’d been building up to this particular tantrum for the past few months. Jack has been busy. Jack’s always busy. Since the first of ...

Beneath Cleopatra's dignity

Mother's Day at Costco

My expectations used to be higher for Mother’s Day. When I was a young mother with only small children, I believed the world should stop for the mid-May holiday. In the weeks leading up to ...

Knott's Berry Farm's scary waterfalls

Like Disneyland but not as fancy

Every time I do something new with my kids, I feel a little older. Last Christmas, Jack’s parents sent us a check for $200 with a note that read, “Please use this gift to do ...

Strep strikes hard

Christmas is two weeks away.

Tis the season…for strep and high fevers and mopping vomit off the bathroom floor. I’m feeling a little melancholy this year. Like the song at the beginning of A Charlie Brown Christmas. Sad and slow. ...

Old heartthrob at Legoland

I never became the real girlfriend

On my 12th anniversary, I ran into an old friend. Sitting on a low wall at Legoland waiting for three of my five children to emerge from an exhibit, I saw Brian walk past. He ...

Billy Blazes

2003 Cedar and Paradise fires — seen from Escondido and San Marcos

The last Sunday in October, we awoke to the smell of smoke and an ochre sky. Jack dozed. I followed Johnny and Ben downstairs. “Can I play Bionicle website?” Johnny asked. His thick chestnut hair ...

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